A First Psychedelic Trip: An 18-Year-Old’s Journey with 4-AcO-DMT


Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. Preparation and Dosage
    • The Threshold Dose
    • The Trip Begins
  3. Immersion in the Experience
    • A Deep Connection with Music and Visuals
    • The Feeling of a Surreal World
  4. Physical Sensations and Shifting Perceptions
    • The Bodily Effects
    • A Trip to the Restroom
  5. A Walk Through a Changed Reality
    • The Disney-Like Neighborhood
    • The Peak of the Experience
  6. Interactions and Empathy
    • The Doritos and Cat Experience
    • Meaningful Conversations
  7. Winding Down
    • Restlessness and Sleep
  8. Conclusion



1. Introduction


At 18 years old, the narrator and his best friend, both self-described "antisocial nerdy" types, had dabbled in smoking weed together the previous summer. Over time, their interest shifted toward exploring psychedelics. After researching different substances, they decided to try 4-AcO-DMT, a psychedelic compound often compared to psilocybin (magic mushrooms). They ordered 100mg of the substance, and after a couple of weeks, they met at his friend's house to begin their first experience with it.


2. Preparation and Dosage


The Threshold Dose


Before taking the full dose, the two friends opted for a small test or "threshold dose" of around 5mg each to check for any potential allergic reactions. The narrator reported feeling minimal effects, while his friend experienced "prickly and ticklish" sensations, acting somewhat goofy and fixating on details of the room. Since the friend seemed more sensitive, the narrator decided to increase his dose to 25mg, while his friend chose 15mg for his own experience.


The Trip Begins


To prepare for the main trip, the two mixed the 4-AcO-DMT powder into warm water, tidied up the room, and created a playlist of psychedelic music videos to accompany the experience. At around 7:45 PM, the narrator took his 25mg dose, while his friend planned to take his later. The narrator curled up on the bed, and within 30 minutes, he began to notice physical changes. By 8:15 PM, he felt warmth and numbness spread throughout his body. At 8:33 PM, the air from the ceiling fan felt intensely ticklish, and the narrator became filled with a sense of giddiness.


3. Immersion in the Experience


A Deep Connection with Music and Visuals


As the trip deepened, the narrator experienced an overwhelming sense of reverence for the people who created the psychedelic music videos they were watching. He felt like he was entering the very essence of the material, gaining a deep understanding of what the creators were attempting to convey. The experience felt like an endless world of possibilities suddenly opened up to him. His mind broadened as he entered a state of awe and amazement.


The Feeling of a Surreal World


The narrator's perception of reality began to shift dramatically. When he closed his eyes, he felt as though he was swimming through a formless, ethereal place—almost like a swirling gaseous planet. The environment around him felt "jiggly" and "bouncy," with the sensation of being surrounded by "moving water balloons." The word "jubbly" repeatedly came to his mind as the trip intensified.


4. Physical Sensations and Shifting Perceptions


The Bodily Effects


The narrator experienced a strong sensation of internal "churning," as though something deep inside his body was in motion. His perception of his own body became distorted, feeling like an intricate network of underground tunnels. His hands appeared to shift and morph, like blobs of clay, adding to the surreal sense of transformation.


A Trip to the Restroom


The intense physical sensations prompted the narrator to visit the restroom, even though he didn’t feel the usual need. Looking at himself in the mirror, he saw his body in a new light—earthy and raw, as though he had spent his entire life in nature. The experience deepened his sense of connection to the natural world.


5. A Walk Through a Changed Reality


The Disney-Like Neighborhood


Feeling restless, the two friends decided to take a walk outside. The world around them took on a surreal quality. The trees, houses, and even the narrator’s friend’s face took on a "classic Disney" appearance. This playful sense of altered reality made everything feel dreamlike and fantastical.


The Peak of the Experience


As they walked, the narrator’s friend became more deeply affected. He looked up at the stars and had a profound moment of awe, almost losing his balance in his amazement. He later described this moment as the peak of his experience, during which his brain felt like it was firing off at an intense level. He felt as though his soul was rising from his body. This experience left him feeling a bit scared, and he grabbed the narrator’s hand for reassurance. They quickly returned to the house, feeling overwhelmed by the altered perception of their surroundings.


6. Interactions and Empathy


The Doritos and Cat Experience


Once back inside, the two friends found comfort in eating snacks—specifically, a bag of Doritos. The taste, texture, and crunch of the chips were so vivid it felt like the experience was crossing into synesthesia, where the senses blend together. Afterward, they played with the narrator's friend's cat, feeling a deep sense of empathy with the animal. They even briefly considered giving the cat some of the drug but ultimately decided against it, respecting the animal’s natural state.


Meaningful Conversations


As the effects of the drug began to fade, the two friends engaged in deep, philosophical conversations. The narrator’s friend shared some of his darkest dreams and experiences, while the narrator offered words of comfort, emphasizing that such things didn't define them. He spoke about self-acceptance, how people are neither pure nor impure, and the importance of accepting oneself and others.


7. Winding Down


By 1:45 AM, both of the friends felt dazed and restless, signs that the effects of the drug were beginning to wind down. In an attempt to calm themselves, they each took a couple of melatonin tablets. By 2:00 AM, they had both fallen asleep, bringing an end to their psychedelic journey.


8. Conclusion


This first trip with 4-AcO-DMT proved to be an intense and transformative experience for both friends. The drug opened their minds to new perceptions of reality, sparked deep emotional connections, and allowed them to explore profound ideas about self-acceptance and the world around them. Although the experience was at times overwhelming, it provided both an emotional and sensory journey that they would not soon forget.